What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?

If you have diabetes, you may be at risk for developing diabetic neuropathy, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that most often affects the legs and feet, although it can occur anywhere in the body including the digestive tract, heart, and sex organs. Diabetic neuropathy can cause mild symptoms in some people, but in others, its effects can be extremely painful.

What causes diabetic neuropathy?

According to NIH, prolonged exposure to high sugar levels in the blood causes damage to nerves, and neurovascular factors can lead to damage to the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. This combination of factors degrades the nerves over time, even interfering with their ability to transmit signals to the brain.

The National Institutes of Health lists some other factors that may contribute to diabetic neuropathy:

Injury to the nerves

Smoking and alcohol abuse

Autoimmune disorders that inflame the nerve cells

Genetic factors not related to diabetes

According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors for developing diabetic neuropathy include:

Focal (Mononeuropathy) is damage to a single nerve, usually in the face or torso.

Difficulty focusing, double vision

Bell’s palsy (paralysis on one side of face)

Pain in chest or abdomen

Occasionally, focal presents in the wrist as carpal tunnel syndrome.

How is diabetic neuropathy treated?

According to the National Institute of Health, diabetic neuropathy treatment focuses on relieving pain, restoring function, and slowing the progression of the disease. In most cases, your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes such as modifying your diet and exercise habits, quitting smoking, and curtailing alcohol consumption.

Medications are frequently used for diabetic neuropathy treatment to manage the symptoms and complications of the disease. According to the NIH, some common medications might include:

Medicare may cover your doctor visits and diabetic neuropathy treatment you receive in the hospital or skilled nursing home. In addition, Medicare may also cover screening tests and specialist exams to help manage your diabetic neuropathy symptoms and prevent complications from the disease.

If you have certain conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, under Medicare you are entitled to see a foot specialist once every six months; you pay your Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance amounts. Part B also covers a yearly eye exam for diabetic retinopathy. As a diabetic, you may also be entitled to medical nutrition therapy at no cost to you if your doctor accepts Medicare assignment.

Prescription drugs for diabetic neuropathy symptoms may not be covered under Original Medicare (unless you receive them as part of your treatment as a hospital inpatient, or they’re administered to you as a hospital outpatient). If you need help paying for your medications, you may want to purchase a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan to supplement your Original Medicare, or a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan.

If you’d like to learn more about minimizing your out-of-pocket costs for diabetic neuropathy treatment, I’m available to help. You can schedule a phone call or request an email with information about diabetic neuropathy coverage by clicking one of the links below. The “Compare Plans” button displays a list of plans in your area you may be eligible for.

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